Part-Time Genius - podcast cover

Part-Time Genius

iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscopewww.iheart.com

Are you a knowledge junkie who loves when facts are stranger than fiction? Do you find yourself constantly tripping down Wikipedia rabbit holes (and delighting in the journey)? Have you ever been told you ask a lot of questions? If so, congrats! You’re one of us: a Part-Time Genius! Join Will, Mango, and the team as we scour the globe in search of obscure facts, offbeat locales, and hidden histories. Along the way, we’ll chat with experts, play some games, get in touch with our silly side, and celebrate the fine art of staying curious.

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Episodes

How did Thurgood Marshall become such an Incredible Lawyer?

Maybe it was his dad? Or all the punishments he got as a naughty high schooler? Or perhaps it was inspired by watching so many Soap Operas? Whatever the cause, Thurgood Marshall's life story is remarkable. From watching trials as a child to almost getting lynched for trying cases in the deep South, Will and Mango look back at the life and legacy of one of America's greatest legal minds. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

Apr 26, 201934 min

Fan Favorite: How Did Wine Fraud Become Such a Big Business?

When a billionaire realized his $125,000 bottle of wine might be fake, he hired a crack team to solve the case. This is the story of a private investigator, a motley crew of geniuses, and a fine wine that supposedly belonged to Thomas Jefferson! Plus: Will and Mango discuss Prohibition wines, the Scottish Four Loko, and why badminton gave wine crimes a bad name. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Apr 12, 201934 min

Fan Favorite: How does Rick Steves Think You Should Travel?

9/11 changed Rick Steves and how he wanted to approach writing about the world. In this special interview, Will and Mango sit down with legendary PBS host and travel writer Rick Steves to talk about the newest edition of "Travel as a Political Act", why watching a Sufi dance can be such a transcendent moment, and whether the best French cheeses really smell like "Angel's Feet." (They don't.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for ...

Mar 22, 201933 min

Fan Favorite: How Do People Game the Lottery?

From the Canadian professor who found patterns in Scratch-off lottery tickets to the Michigan couple that turned a lottery flaw into their retirement savings plan to the strange reason you should hold onto any lottery ticket that has Herbert Hoover's face on it, Will and Mango look into the long history of lotteries and the geniuses who've managed to game them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Mar 15, 201938 min

Fan Favorite: What's the Science of Painkillers?

When you've got a headache, those bottles of over-the-counter medicines can feel interchangeable. But the truth is, the drugs work in different ways... and each has their own benefits and side-effects. From which drugs work best on toothaches, to which ones are best for hangovers, Will and Mango explore the strange world of painkillers. Plus: why, 5 years from now, you might be replacing your pills with a phone, a pair of goggles and some green apple air freshener. Learn more about your ad-choic...

Mar 07, 201935 min

What are the Greatest Things We Didn't Know about Brazil?

When's the best time to surf the Amazon? Can Brazilian termites help you make a better pizza? And: did you overpay on the black market for that venomous snake? Will and Mango scour the web for some fun facts on Brazil. (Plus, you probably did overpay for that snake.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Mar 01, 201935 min

Fan Favorite: What Makes the Happiest Places on Earth?

What do sauna culture, "Right to Roam" laws and all-you-can-eat buffets (for monkeys!) have to do with putting smiles on citizens faces? Will and Mango explore why some countries always end up at the top of the Happiness Index, and how other nations can (politely) elbow their way in. Featuring Suzanne Jones, Mayor of Boulder, CO. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Feb 22, 201939 min

Did (Everyone's Favorite Frenchman) Lafayette Really Save America?

Sure, we know Lafayette as a street. And a college. And some of us know him as the charismatic Frenchman from Hamilton. But did you know he was France's richest orphan? And that his real name was Gilbert? And he might have been closer to George Washington than anyone really knew. Will and Mango have best-selling children's author Nathan Hale on to talk about his new book Lafayette and explain all. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listene...

Feb 16, 201919 min

9 Valentine's Day Facts You'll Want to Share

From the worst Valentines cards in history, to why candy necklaces are so meaningful in Alabama, to a few salmon that are not excited about this special day, Will and Mango have cobbled facts to warm your heart. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 14, 201917 min

9 Delightful Corners of the Internet

From the best place to do your book shopping to a very sweet rodent with too much to carry, Will and Mango explore some of the World Wide Web's weirdest corners. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 08, 201917 min

How Did Jacques Cousteau Fall in Love with the Sea?

Whether you knew him as a conservationist, an explorer, a spy or a fashion icon, Jacques Cousteau showcased the sea's mysteries to a curious world. But how did the rebellious teenager with a penchant for breaking windows grow up into a marine legend? Will and Mango explore. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Feb 05, 201940 min

9 Things Hiding on your Money

From the treasury joker who snuck his face on some cash, to Theodore Roosevelt’s drastic redesign for the penny, to the very best reason Harriet Tubman belongs on the $20, Will and Mango are diving into dollar bill facts Scrooge McDuck-style. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 31, 201914 min

What does Plastic Surgery have to do with the Civil War?

Why are people getting plastic surgery on their fingerprints? Why was the Civil War such a golden era for procedures? And why is everyone suddenly obsessed with the length of their philtrums? Will and Mango take a brisk walk through the history of plastic surgery. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 25, 201933 min

9 Wonderful Wintertime Inventions

Did a 15-year old really invent the snowmobile? Why was the original use for a Kleen-Ex? How come Eddie Bauer gets zero credit for his genius idea? And what's so special about the Greenwood Champion Ear Protectors? Will and Mango spend a cold, wintry day digging into some spectacular inventions. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 25, 201916 min

Why Can’t You Copyright a Chicken Sandwich?

In 2019, a new cache of works entered the Public Domain— from Charlie Chaplin to Jane Austen stories to Felix the Cat cartoons. But what does that really mean? Will and Mango dig into how Mickey Mouse changed copyright laws, why Woody Guthrie got foiled by his publishers and why British clowns check a case of eggs before putting on their makeup. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 18, 201931 min

The Surprising Origins of 9 TV Spin-Offs

What was the worst cartoon inspired by Happy Days ? Why did The Golden Girls try to open a hotel? And which dysfunctional character from The Office almost got a starring role on Parks and Rec ? Will and Mango explore the weird world of sitcom spin-offs in today's 9 things. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 16, 201917 min

Fan Favorite: Will Coffee Make Me Live Longer?

Want to know who to blame for your coffee addiction? From goats, Turks to the Archangel Gabriel, Will and Mango chase down a whole world of (coffee) pot stirrers while shedding light on whether monkey spit coffee is tastier than your traditional beans and whether coffee is good for cats (Spoiler: probably). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 11, 201939 min

Why Did Ben Franklin Look Up to Genghis Khan?

Sure, Genghis Khan pillaged lands with glee and killed millions of people in his ruthless quest for power. But was he kind of a good person? Like, was he pro-justice and pro-environment? And also, did he invent the hamburger? Will and Mango dig in. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 10, 201934 min

Fan Favorite: 9 Very Important Facts about Bears

Whether you're an amateur bear enthusiast or prepping for a bear convention, these are the bear facts you'll need! Will and Mango explore a Canadian Bear Jail, why Pizzlies are taking over the world, and how Paddington Bear was once the pride of Africa. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 04, 201915 min

Fan Favorite: Why Were These Books Banned?

Where's Waldo isn't allowed in prisons, Winnie the Pooh can't set foot in China, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear is forbidden from schools in... Texas?! From Ulysses to sinful Bibles, Will and Mango dive into the story of banned books to tell you all about the titles they don't want you to read. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 02, 201935 min

9 Christmas Tree Facts that are totally lit!

From why a giraffe might want your Christmas tree leftovers, to why your tree is so darn thirsty all the time, to why a traditionalist might want to start mounting their trees upside-down, Will and Mango explore some Griswold-sized Christmas tree facts to please the whole family. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 20, 201812 min

Fan Favorite: What's Everyday life like on Antarctica?

From plumbing to catering, everything’s a little harder in Antarctica. Will and Mango dive into everyday life on The Ice. Plus, we talk glamping on the continent, why the South Pole pole moves every year, and why the Antarctica only has one ATM. Featuring all-star Antarctica Artist-in-Residence Jynne Dilling Martin. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 19, 201837 min

9 Great Facts about People Named Tony

There are a lot of people named Tony. (Tony Hawk is one of them!) Will and Mango share some wonderful facts about 8 Tonys (Tony Hawk is not one of them.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 14, 201813 min

What are the Secret Rules the Royal Family has to Obey?

Why can't princes wear pants? Why does Prince Charles carry a bag of blood with him on his vacations? Is the Queen allowed to use a Pooper Scooper? Why is it so hard to make a perfect tuna sandwich for the royal family? And who is responsible for ironing the Queen's money so that it is perfectly crisp? Will and Mango dig into all the Queen's business and find some delightful stories in the process. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listen...

Dec 13, 201832 min

Fan Favorite: Why is it more dangerous to be a Park Ranger than an FBI Agent?

Park rangers do so much more than just keeping Yogi Bear from stealing picnic baskets. Whether it’s outsmarting poachers, fending off the Klan, protecting tourists from gator attacks or helping tiny endangered species make their way to sea, Will and Mango celebrate the heroes who keep our National parks running. Plus, why robbing a bank then hiding in the forest isn’t a great idea. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

Dec 07, 201836 min

9 Cocktail Facts to Enjoy Shaken or Stirred!

Did Shirley Temple like Shirley Temples? Do you need a screwdriver to make an authentic screwdriver? And who the heck is Tom Collins anyway? Will and Mango mix up a perfectly balanced cocktail of weird facts just for you. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 06, 201819 min

9 Reasons to Love Raccoons (Yes, Raccoons)

Trash pandas. Nature's ninjas. Sure, these ring-tailed rascals go by plenty of names. But whether you love 'em or hate 'em, they're clearly taking over Toronto. Will and Mango discuss everything raccoons, and why they deserve a little respect. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 30, 201820 min

How did Charlie Brown win over America?

Every holiday season, Will and Mango rewatch The Peanuts classics. But how did Charles Schulz get his inspiration for the comic strip? Why did the network almost cancel the Charlie Brown Christmas special? And why does winning a Snoopy award mean so much if you work at NASA? From kite-eating trees, to footballs that never get kicked, Will and Mango go deep on Peanuts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 28, 201839 min

Fan Favorite: Was Mister Rogers the Best Neighbor Ever?

From the real reason Mister Rogers used to wear sneakers on the show to why Ella Fitzgerald's band members used to tune in to the last 5 minutes of every show, Will and Mango pay tribute to one of our favorite humans, Mr. Fred Rogers. Featuring journalist Tom Junod. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 21, 201838 min

9 Deliciously Cheesy Facts about Nachos

Will and Mango dig into their favorite ballpark treat to talk about the surprisingly layered story of nachos. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 20, 201815 min
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